Big Bus proves magic for visitors to Abu Dhabi

At first it is a bit of a puzzle to identify Leonardo’s nationality. Sitting in a corner on the right side of an open-top tour bus, he is wearing a white kandura and Arabian-style sandals.

German tourists Joerg Lippert, 51, and his wife Ingert enjoy the ride aboard the Big Bus tour. The buses take passengers to 22 locations around Abu Dhabi. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

He explains with a beaming smile: “It’s more comfortable in kandura.”

Leonardo, who is Italian, is skimming through a Big Bus brochure while waiting patiently for the stop for Sheikh Zayed Mosque where he hopes to marvel at its beauty.

“I don’t speak good English,” he says, looking at his son, also called Leonardo.

“This is our first trip to the Emirates,” says the younger Leonardo, 30. The family have only spent one night at the Sheraton Hotel and have just started their holiday, but they are ready to share their experience of the UAE.

“Abu Dhabi is modern, beautiful and has tall buildings,” says Leonardo Jr, a pilot. “We read about the UAE and its landmarks before coming. We are happy to spend our vacation here”

This year, the family from Rome decided to spend three nights in the capital, with a particular desire to visit the city’s religious buildings.

“I don’t like shopping,” says the son. “We went to Etihad Towers yesterday. Not my style.” More info